As Christmas approaches, the campground at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is once again being transformed into a holiday wonderland. The 17th annual Lights at Kennedy will help make the season more festive for area residents and visitors. Additionally, the event raises money to support the important Backpack Buddies program.

The light display debuts Saturday night. It will be open again on Sunday night.

In addition to this weekend, the upcoming dates are Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20.

The display will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on each of those days.

The suggested donation is $5 per vehicle. No change will be given for donations dropped in the bucket.

The numerous Christmas-themed displays that are at the heart of Lights at Kennedy are sponsored by businesses and organizations. This enjoyable outing has become a holiday tradition for many Fort Dodgers. It is a superb adventure that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Along the way, there’s a good chance participants will encounter Santa and his many helpers.

Each year there are changes and enhancements to keep the event fresh and exciting.

Backpack Buddies has been a project of Noon Sertoma since 2010. It supplies elementary school-age children from low-income homes with nutrient-rich foods for consumption on weekends.

The Lights at Kennedy project is sponsored by Noon Sertoma and Fort Dodge Young Professionals. This month is filled with seasonal events that make it a joyous time of year. The Messenger strongly urges readers to include Lights at Kennedy on their hectic holiday agendas. The outstanding displays will help fill you holiday cheer. Your visit to Kennedy will also help fund a truly worthy local endeavor – Backpack Buddies.